Friday 9 May 2025
Students arrived at Ahuroa Venture Camp on a rainy morning full of enthusiasm and spirit and the energy has not left this Year 10 group since. I have been impressed with their tenacity, can do attitude and overall willingness to help and give all the activities 100 percent.
The first night was spent out in the bush block making bivvies before the students returned with a smile and many stories of how their night went. Tuesday’s activities were a variety of Adventure Based Learning games, Rock Climbing and Orienteering, alongside planning for their overnighter. Wednesday arrived with rainfall and slightly dampened spirits when the caving was cancelled due to the rainfall we had overnight, however, this was quickly replaced with the smell of baking, the high excitement of mud tug of war, water games and the ultimate mudslide competition. The sound of laughter, triumph, teamwork and power echoed around the valley. Thursday night was spent out at Wenderholm Regional Park for our sea kayakers and at Waihunga Reserve for our tramping group.
During their offsite overnight trip, when we met them at various times they were still smiling and looking forward to returning to camp for our King’s weekend. This time was spent on our low ropes course, the flying fox, baking, service tasks and doing their laundry ready for this week's adventure.
It was a wonderful and enjoyable first week at camp. A big thank you to Ronnie for cooking us amazing food, and to the instructors, Joel, Isaac, Nat and Dean for their enthusiasm and storytelling.
Gaylene Reisima – Manager, Ahuroa Venture Camp